Should I Paint My House Before Selling? (+ Best Paint Colours)

You're considering selling your house, so should you invest in painting it first? This a common dilemma for first-time home sellers and real estate experts alike. A fresh coat of paint can unquestionably enhance curb appeal and suggest a well-maintained home, but is it worth the cost and effort? With the right choice of colours, your home could stand out in a crowded market. However, there are several factors to weigh before making this decision. Let's explore the potential benefits and downsides to understand if this investment is truly necessary, or if precious money is wasted on vanity.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

10 Pros & Cons of Painting the Inside of Your House Before Selling

Pros

• Increases Buyer Appeal: Neutral, fresh colours attract a wider range of buyers.
• Boosts Perceived Value: Can increase the home's value by a few percentage points
• Cleans and Refreshes Spaces: Covers stains, marks, and wear, making the home feel well-maintained.
• Faster Sales: Homes with updated interiors often sell more quickly in competitive markets.
• Cost-Effective ROI: Painting is relatively affordable compared to other renovations and offers a high return on investment.

Cons

• Upfront Costs: Professional painting can be expensive, especially for large homes.
• Time-Consuming: Painting can delay listing if not planned well.
• Potential Misstep with Colours: Incorrect colour choices might deter some buyers.
• Not Always Necessary: In a seller’s market or for homes needing full renovations, painting may not significantly impact buyer interest.
• Short-Term Value: The benefits may not last long if the home isn’t sold quickly.

How to Decide If Painting Is Right For You

A fresh coat of paint can be one of the most cost-effective ways to add value to your home before selling. It not only boosts curb appeal and makes a stellar first impression but also suggests the house is well-maintained, potentially adding to its value. By choosing neutral colours, you can appeal to more buyers and increase your chances of a successful sale.

What's the Return on Investment?

The estimated return on investment for painting your home before selling can be over 100%. While some projections claim painting rooms in your house can help it sell for up to $10,000 more, the true value can be hard to quantify. Realistically, the most significant benefit of painting your home comes from aligning your listing with what buyers want in the current market.  

Use these factors to estimate the cost of painting a room in your house and decide if the potential returns will be worth it for you:

• Measure wall area (length × height of walls, subtract doors/windows).
• A gallon of paint covers ~350 sq. ft.; double for two coats.
• Paint costs $20–$100 per gallon.
• Professional labor averages $2–$6 per sq. ft.
• Supplies cost $50–$150; add prep work if needed.

To project estimates across multiple rooms, calculate the total square footage for all walls in each room, adjust for doors/windows, and multiply by the cost per square foot (paint, labor, and supplies). Scale up from a single-room estimate by factoring in the size and condition of each additional room. For example, if one 12x12 room costs $600–$1,500 to paint, a similar-sized three-room project could cost $1,800–$4,500. For increased accuracy, you should also consider how much it costs to paint the exterior. 

Is Paint Necessary In Your Current Market?

The real estate market heavily influences whether painting your home before selling is necessary. In a competitive buyer’s market, where many homes are available, freshly painted interiors can set your property apart and attract more offers. Conversely, in a seller’s market, where demand exceeds supply, buyers may overlook minor cosmetic issues, making painting less critical.

Sellers should consider the condition of their home, local market trends, and buyer expectations. Consulting with a real estate agent regarding your home's competitive market analysis can help determine if painting aligns with the competition and whether it will offer a worthwhile return on investment.

New Paint Makes a Great First Impression

Regardless of market conditions, a well-executed paint job can be a game changer in the competitive real estate market. Potential buyers often form quick judgments, and bright, clean rooms can leave a lasting positive impression. It's not just about looking good; it's about signalling that your home is cared for and has been updated.

Importantly, newly painted rooms can make your house stand out in a competitive market, drawing more interest and possibly leading to better offers. When a home feels like it's ready to be lived in, buyers may be more likely to pay more than they would for a home with tired, worn paint. 

Selling As Is? Paint May Not Be Necessary

Selling a home "as is" means the property is being sold in its current condition without making repairs or updates, which often appeals to buyers looking for a fixer-upper. If the home has significant issues, such as outdated systems, structural problems, or visible damage, a fresh coat of paint may do little to mask the underlying concerns. Buyers in these situations tend to focus on major repairs rather than cosmetic improvements, and freshly painted walls might even raise skepticism about what issues are being covered up.

When selling a home as is, sellers should prioritize transparency about the home's condition and weigh the cost of painting against its actual impact on the sale. The goal is to increase profit margins by keeping costs down, even if that means listing for a lower price. 

What Are the Best Paint Colours to Sell a House?

• White: A timeless and versatile choice that creates a clean, bright, and spacious feel, appealing to most buyers.
• Light Gray: A modern neutral that adds sophistication without overwhelming a space, perfect for living rooms and kitchens.
• Beige: A warm and inviting tone that complements many décor styles, ideal for bedrooms or common areas.
• Soft Blue: A calming colour that works well in bathrooms and bedrooms, evoking a sense of relaxation.
• Greige (Gray + Beige): A trendy hybrid neutral that balances warmth and coolness, making it suitable for any room.
• Muted Green: A natural, earthy shade that can bring a refreshing and serene vibe to living spaces.
• Pale Yellow: A cheerful and subtle colour that adds warmth to kitchens or smaller spaces without being too bold.

Neutral shades are the easy answer when asking how to choose paint colours for a house, because they go with almost anything. Not only does this make home staging easier, by painting your home's interior with neutral colours, you help ensure that your home will be eye-pleasing to of a large number of potential buyers.

That said, all-white might not be the best choice—it can seem harsh and clinical when overused. If you desire the clean, bright look of white but also give your home an amount of character and style, try a very light colour offset with white trim. The trim will help brighten the room and give the walls a crisp, clean appearance.

Dark colours are best used in large rooms with tall ceilings and a good deal of natural day light, because darker colours can bring walls closer and make larger spaces seem more intimate. Lighter colours are more appropriate in small rooms and in rooms with northern exposures that lack daylight. Light colours can help push back walls and make small rooms seem less confining.

Bright, bold colours can be overwhelming to many buyers seeking turn-key properties. Vibrant reds, bold blues and warm, bright oranges are more likely to clash with furniture and also excite strong (but not always favorable) emotions in buyers. In addition, bright colours can be difficult to cover with fresh paint, making more work for any home buyer who wants to repaint. This can lead to lower offers or may deter some buyers all together.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Ready to Paint Your Home?

Deciding whether to paint your home before selling depends on the market, your home’s condition, and the potential return on investment. A fresh coat of paint can enhance buyer appeal, boost value, and help your home sell faster, but it’s not always necessary—especially if major repairs are being left undone. By choosing the right colours and weighing costs against benefits, sellers can make informed decisions to maximize their home’s marketability and avoid home selling mistakes.